U.S. patent number 6,161,743 [Application Number 09/328,052] was granted by the patent office on 2000-12-19 for ticket dispenser using sharp pins on a driver roller to advance tickets.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Wedges/Ledges. Invention is credited to Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr..
United States Patent |
6,161,743 |
Shoemaker, Jr. |
December 19, 2000 |
Ticket dispenser using sharp pins on a driver roller to advance
tickets
Abstract
A ticket dispenser includes an adjustable tension device and a
driver. The driver includes at least one sharp pin configured to
pierce at least a portion of a thickness of a ticket strip and to
pull the ticket strip in a direction along a ticket path. The
ticket strip passes through the tension device as it is pulled by
the driver. The tension device exerts a force on the ticket strip
in a direction opposite the pulled direction. The driver can be a
roller that is rotated by a motor. In addition, the ticket
dispenser includes a driver guide which is adjacent and in close
proximity to the driver. The ticket strip passes between the driver
guide and the driver, thereby biasing the ticket strip in close
proximity to the driver, and facilitating piercing of the ticket
strip by the sharp pins. The driver guide includes rollers which
have a groove extending around a circumference of the rollers. The
sharp pins of the driver are aligned with and pass through the
grooves which thereby further facilitate piercing of the ticket
strip.
Inventors: |
Shoemaker, Jr.; Stephen P.
(Redondo Beach, CA) |
Assignee: |
Wedges/Ledges (Redondo Beach,
CA)
|
Family
ID: |
23279306 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/328,052 |
Filed: |
June 8, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
226/183;
226/156 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07B
3/00 (20130101); G07F 17/42 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G07B
3/00 (20060101); G07F 17/00 (20060101); G07F
17/42 (20060101); B65H 020/20 (); B65H
023/16 () |
Field of
Search: |
;226/156,183,53 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Walsh; Donald P.
Assistant Examiner: Webb; Collin A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Hickman Coleman & Hughes,
LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A ticket dispenser for outputting tickets through an outlet of
an apparatus, said ticket dispenser comprising:
a base having a first end and a second end, wherein said second end
is disposed near an outlet of an apparatus;
a tension device disposed near said first end of said base and
configured to frictionally engage a ticket strip when said ticket
strip is moved through said tension device, wherein said tension
device includes a rear guide and a flexible tension spring aligned
with and pressed toward said rear guide, said tension device being
adjustable;
a driver disposed near said second end of said base, having at
least one sharp protrusion, wherein said driver is configured to
rotate independently from said base and to engage and move said
ticket strip away from said tension device along a ticket path and
said at least one sharp protrusion is configured to pierce at least
a portion of a thickness of said ticket strip when said driver
engages said ticket strip;
a rotatable driver guide roller having a generally cylindrical
shape with a groove around a circumference of said driver guide
roller, wherein said at least one sharp protrusion on said driver
is aligned with said groove, and said driver guide roller is
rotatable coupled to an arm which is rotatable coupled to said
base; and
a second roller rotatably coupled to a second arm which is
rotatable coupled to said base, wherein a spring is coupled between
said arms for biasing said driver guide roller and said second
roller against said driver.
2. The ticket dispenser as recited in claim 1, further
comprising:
a sensor adjacent said ticket path, which includes a plurality of
individual tickets, and configured to detect each of said
individual tickets when each of said individual tickets passes by
said sensor.
3. The ticket dispenser as recited in claim 1, wherein said driver
and said driver guide roller are constructed from nylon.
4. The ticket dispenser as recited in claim 1, further comprising
an output guide extending from said driver and toward said outlet
of said apparatus.
5. The ticket dispenser as recited in claim 1, and further
comprising a mid-path guide positioned between said driver and said
tension device.
6. The ticket dispenser as recited in claim 5, and further
comprising a front guide positioned along said ticket path between
said driver and said mid-path guide.
7. The ticket dispenser as recited in claim 1, wherein said rollers
reside on diametrically opposed sides of said driver.
8. The ticket dispenser as recited in claim 1, wherein a plurality
of driver guide rollers are rotatably coupled to said arm for being
biased against said driver about a circumference thereof.
9. The ticket dispenser as recited in claim 1, further comprising
means for rotating said driver.
10. A method for dispensing a ticket strip from an apparatus, said
method comprising:
creating tension in a ticket strip with a tension device including
a rear guide and a flexible tension spring aligned with and pressed
toward said rear guide, said tension device being adjustable;
engaging said ticket strip by piercing said ticket strip at at
least one point, wherein said piercing said ticket strip includes
using a driver having a sharp pin that pierces into said ticket
strip, at least one rotatable driver guide roller rotatably coupled
to an arm and having a generally cylindrical shape with a groove
around a circumference of said driver guide roller, wherein said at
least one sharp pin on said driver is aligned with said groove, and
a second roller rotatable coupled to a second arm, wherein a spring
is coupled between said arms for biasing said driver guide roller
and said second roller against said driver; and
translating said pierced point along a ticket path, wherein said
translation contributes to said creating tension in said ticket
strip.
11. The method for dispensing a ticket strip from an apparatus as
recited in claim 10, further comprising sensing a quantity of
tickets that are dispensed.
12. The method for dispensing a ticket strip from an apparatus as
recited in claim 11, further comprising guiding said ticket strip
in contact with said sharp pin.
13. A ticket dispenser for dispensing a ticket strip from an
apparatus, said ticket dispenser comprising:
a base having a first end and a second end, wherein said second end
is disposed near an outlet of an apparatus;
a tension device disposed near said first end of said base and
configured to frictionally engage a ticket strip when said ticket
strip is moved through said tension device, wherein the tension
device is adjustable;
a driver disposed near said second end of said base, having at
least one sharp protrusion, wherein said driver is configured to
rotate independently from said base and to engage and move said
ticket strip away from said tension device along a ticket path and
said at least one sharp protrusion is configured to pierce at least
a portion of a thickness of said ticket strip when said driver
engages said ticket strip; and
a driver guide in close proximity to said driver around at least a
portion of a circumference of said driver, said driver guide
including a pair elements which encompass said driver.
14. The ticket dispenser for dispensing a ticket strip from an
apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein said driver includes a
pair of concentric grooves which flank said protrusion, said
elements of said driver guide being situated in the concentric
grooves for maintaining said ticket strip in abutment with said
sharp protrusion.
15. The ticket dispenser for dispensing a ticket strip from an
apparatus as recited in claim 14, and further comprising a
rotatable driver guide roller having a generally cylindrical shape
with a groove around a circumference of said driver guide roller,
wherein said at least one sharp protrusion on said driver is
aligned with said groove, and said driver guide roller has a width
substantially equal to a distance between said concentric grooves.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to ticket dispensers, and more particularly
to ticket dispensers used in redemption-type arcade games.
2. Background of the Related Art
Ticket dispensers are used wherever tickets can be used as a means
for exchange of goods and/or services. For example, amusement
parks, theaters, and other public entertainment can use tickets to
ensure that customers have paid an admission fee before making use
of the entertainment services. In other fields such as public
transportation, tickets can provide a similar service.
Another popular field for using tickets and ticket dispensers is
the field of arcade games. Players of the arcade games can win
redemption tickets based on a final score or goals which were
completed during a game. The redemption tickets can be redeemed for
prizes offered at the arcade.
In a typical redemption-type arcade game, a ticket dispenser is
positioned at a front panel or in a game unit, where players have
easy access to dispensed tickets. Generally, a supply such as a
roll or fanfold of tickets is stored in a supply cache or
compartment near the ticket dispenser within a game unit. The
operator of the game can replace tickets when the supply is
exhausted. The tickets are routed from the supply, through the
ticket dispenser, and to a front opening or slot in the game unit
through which the tickets are dispensed. The ticket dispenser may
include one or more motor-driven rollers which can move the strip
of tickets to and through the slot.
Examples of prior art ticket dispensers can be found in U.S. Pat.
No. 3,627,183 to V. Mason, U.S. Pat. No. 2,657,750 to C. F. Webb,
U.S. Pat. No. 2,219,650 to R. H. Helsel, and U.S. Pat. No.
3,280,678 to W. T. Shackelford.
A ticket dispenser typically used in arcade games is manufactured
by Deltronic Labs, Inc. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,272,001). With the
Deltronic dispenser, a ticket strip is routed from a supply to the
back of the dispenser, through a sensor, through a set of pinch
rollers, and out a dispensing slot in the game unit. The pinch
rollers push the tickets along the ticket path and out the
dispensing slot. Such a ticket dispenser is also configured to help
impede a game player from pulling non-dispensed tickets from the
game unit. For example, the pinch rollers can be on a wedge slide,
such that when a ticket is attempted to be pulled out the slot by a
game player, the pinch rollers grab the ticket more tightly in
proportion to the pulling force to prevent any tickets from being
pulled.
Although typical tickets used are made of heavy card stock, use of
less stiff thin tickets may be more desirable. For example, tickets
having a thickness similar to 20 lb. paper and a width of about one
half of an inch can be used. Such tickets may be more desirable
because only a certain amount of tickets may be stored at one time
in the ticket supply space in the game unit, and the amount of
tickets stored depends on the width and thickness of each ticket.
With thinner tickets, more tickets can be stored for the dispenser
in a given amount of space. This benefit is magnified as the number
of tickets typically dispensed and redeemed increases. With
additional features added to redemption arcade games, such as
progressive bonus features, and prizes of greater worth often
offered to customers, very large numbers of tickets can be
dispensed to players in a single game and over many games played on
a redemption arcade game unit. For example, an arcade game unit
including a progressive feature can accumulate and then dispense a
ticket award of 1000 or more tickets.
Using the ticket size of the prior art in conjunction with such
ticket dispensing, an operator must continuously refill the ticket
supply cache as tickets run out, incurring additional labor
expense. The operator's cost for purchasing large numbers of such
tickets also can get exceedingly high. Thus, use of thinner tickets
can result in lower operating costs. In addition, because the
resulting large numbers of tickets can be more easily counted using
accurate scales, the tickets do not need to be thicker to
accommodate manual counting of each individual ticket. A
description of an example of such thin tickets can be found in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,695,107 to S. P. Shoemaker, Jr., the specification of
which is included herein by reference.
Unfortunately, because of the amount of tension typically imparted
by the pinch rollers on the tickets to advance the ticket strip,
the ticket strip can be torn, crumpled, or otherwise mutilated
within the ticket dispenser. This can additionally result in
jamming or misfeeding of the ticket dispenser. Further, the
likelihood of such destruction of the ticket strip and resulting
disruption of the ticket dispenser can be greater with decreasing
thickness of the tickets.
To reduce such problems, a ticket dispenser using a knurled drive
roller with one or more pressure rollers can be used instead of
pinch rollers to progress a ticket strip along a ticket path
between the ticket supply to the game unit ticket outlet. An
example of such a ticket dispenser can be found in U.S. Pat. No.
5,695,107 to S. P. Shoemaker, Jr., the specification of which is
herein incorporated by reference. Such a ticket dispenser produces
less tension on a thin ticket strip, thereby causing less tearing,
jamming, and misfeeds.
However, a ticket dispenser is desired that further reduces the
likelihood of ticket damage and disruption of the ticket dispenser,
including when used with thin tickets. In particular, a ticket
dispenser is desired which imparts less tension on a ticket strip
than in the prior art devices, in order to allow an increase in a
speed with which tickets may be dispensed. Also, it is desired that
the ticket dispenser include a simple, inexpensive braking
mechanism to inhibit a game player from pulling one or more tickets
from the ticket dispenser.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention provides an improved ticket dispenser. The
ticket dispenser of the present invention is suited to dispense
tickets with less tension, and therefore less likelihood of ticket
damage and dispenser disruption and increased speed.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a ticket dispenser for
outputting tickets through an outlet of an apparatus includes a
base having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end
can be disposed near the outlet of the apparatus. A tension device
is disposed near the first end of the base and configured to
frictionally engage a ticket strip when the ticket strip is moved
through the tension device. The ticket dispenser also includes a
driver disposed near the second end of the base, the driver having
at least one sharp protrusion. The driver is configured to rotate
independently from the base and to engage and move the ticket strip
away from the tension device along a ticket path. Also, the sharp
protrusion is configured to pierce at least a portion of a
thickness of the ticket strip when the driver engages the ticket
strip.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for
dispensing a ticket strip from an apparatus includes creating
tension in a ticket strip and engaging the ticket strip by piercing
the ticket strip at at least one pierced point. Also, the method
includes translating the pierced point along a ticket path, wherein
the translation contributes to creating tension in the ticket
strip.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a ticket
dispenser for dispensing a ticket strip from an apparatus includes
means for creating tension in the ticket strip and means for
engaging the ticket strip, including means for piercing the ticket
strip at at least one pierced point. The ticket dispenser also
includes means for translating the pierced point along a ticket
path, wherein the translation contributes to creating tension in
the ticket strip.
By using at least one sharp pin to engage and move the ticket
strip, less force is needed to pull the ticket strip along the
ticket path. Also less tension in the ticket strip is needed.
Therefore, the tension in the ticket strip can be minimized by
imparting less force in the tension device, and by other
techniques. With reduced tension on the ticket strip, the
likelihood of separating, tearing, ripping, or otherwise damaging
the ticket strip, and of jamming the ticket dispenser, is reduced.
Further, the piercing of each ticket that is engaged by a sharp pin
can render such tickets identifiable as having been dispensed. This
can aid operators of the apparatuses who desire to redeem only
dispensed tickets.
These and other advantages of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following
descriptions and studying the various figures of the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a redemption-type game apparatus
suitable for use with the ticket dispenser of the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the game apparatus taken
along line 2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 2A is a side cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment
of the game apparatus taken along line 2--2 shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a ticket dispenser, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a side view of a ticket dispenser, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4a is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 4b is a top view of the alternate embodiment of the present
invention shown in FIG. 4a;
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the ticket dispenser along line 5--5 of
FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5a is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 5b is a top view of the alternate embodiment of the present
invention shown in FIG. 5a;
FIG. 6 is a detail view of a drive roller of a ticket dispenser,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a detail view of a drive roller and a guide roller of the
ticket dispenser, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a guide and drive assembly of the
ticket dispenser of FIGS. 4 and 5, according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a side view of a tension device, according to an
embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 10 is a process diagram of a method for dispensing tickets,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The improved ticket dispenser of the present invention can be used
for a variety of applications that require tickets to be used for
exchange of goods and/or services. For example, the ticket
dispenser can be used for entertainment purposes, as in movie
theaters, amusement parks, and the like; transportation services,
such as a train, bus, etc.; and so on. The present invention,
however, is particularly well-suited to games, specifically arcade
redemption-type games that provide tickets as a non-monetary award
to players of the games. It is with this application in mind that
the several embodiments of the present invention are described.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a generic arcade
redemption-type game apparatus 26 suitable for use with the ticket
dispenser of the present invention. Such game apparatuses are
well-known to those skilled in the art and can take a wide variety
of forms, with apparatus 26 being just one example. Game apparatus
26 typically includes a front panel section 28, player controls 30,
and a playing area 32.
Front panel section 28 can be positioned below the player controls
30, as shown in FIG. 1. The front panel section can also be
positioned in a wide variety of other locations, such as above
playing area 32, to the side of the playing area or player
controls, etc. Front panel section 28 may include a coin deposit
slot 29, speakers 31, and a ticket dispenser 34.
Coin deposit slot 29 typically accepts standard currency coins,
game tokens, or bills that are often available in an arcade
environment. A coin deposited in coin deposit slot 29 starts a
game. A playing piece may be released for the player to use during
the game, player controls may be activated to allow a player to
play the game, etc. Speakers 31 emits sounds based on game actions
and other game states and is controlled by a game unit controller
system, as is well known to those skilled in the art. Ticket
dispenser 34 of the present invention dispenses a ticket award to
the player based upon the results of a game, and is described in
greater detail subsequently. The front panel 28 can also include
other features, such as a playing piece dispenser, if
appropriate.
Player controls 30 allow a player to manipulate events in the game,
and typically include a joystick, buttons, a knob, or the like.
Game action occurs in playing area 32, where, for example, a
playing piece, video image, or other game object may be controlled
and/or guided by the player on a field, video screen, etc. to
achieve a goal. Once the goal is achieved, a game score is
typically increased. The game score can be displayed on a display
33. Some games also include a progressive bonus score, which is a
score contributed to by multiple connected game units. Depending on
the game, a player may get multiple chances to play with one coin,
or the player may have to insert additional coins.
When a game is over, ticket dispenser 34 dispenses an amount of
tickets 21 to the player through an outlet 36 in the ticket
dispenser. Alternatively, the tickets can be dispensed during a
game, if desired. These tickets are preferably in the form of a
ticket strip 20 as shown in FIG. 1. A ticket, as used herein,
includes any object that can be exchanged for goods and/or
services. Further, the ticket can be formed of any suitable
material, for example paper, cardboard, or plastic. The number of
dispensed tickets can be based upon the results of the game, and is
typically based on the final game score displayed on display 33 or
another display to which the game 26 is connected. For example, one
ticket can be dispensed for every 5 points of game score, 2 points
of game score, 0.1 points of game score, or any amount that the
operator of the game apparatus desires. If a progressive feature is
being implemented in game apparatus 26, the number of dispensed
tickets can be based on the progressive score, for example if a
progressive task was completed by the player during the game. The
dispensed tickets 21 may be accumulated by a player and redeemed to
win various prizes. In general, the greater the worth of the prize
desired, the more tickets are needed to be exchanged for that
prize. The ticket dispenser 34, game score display 33, player
controls 30, and other functions of the game apparatus 26 can be
controlled by a control system (see FIG. 5). In the alternative,
the ticket dispenser 34 may be controlled by a cash register for
dispensing stamps, i.e. blue chips, green stamps, etc.
FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of game apparatus 26 along
line 2--2 of FIG. 4 to show the interior of game apparatus 26.
Interior components specific to the mechanics and implementation of
game play are not shown and are well known to those skilled in the
art. Ticket dispenser 34 is positioned behind front panel 28 and
can be coupled to a back side 35 of front panel 28. Dispensed
ticket strip 20 is routed through outlet 36, which is an aperture
in front panel 12. Of course, the ticket dispenser 34 can
alternatively be positioned elsewhere within, on, or outside the
game apparatus 26, and dispensed ticket strip 20 can alternatively
be routed through an outlet located elsewhere on or outside the
game apparatus 26.
Ticket strip 20 originates from a supply 37 of tickets positioned
in the interior of game apparatus 26. Alternatively, the supply 37
can be located outside the game apparatus 26, although preferably
out of the reach of game players. The supply 37 can be a fan-fold
38 of ticket strip 20 which is stored in a box 39 or similar
container positioned below and/or to the rear of ticket dispenser
34. Ticket strip 20 in fan-fold 34 is folded in a criss-cross
pattern after each X amount of tickets 24, where X is a number such
as 10, 20, etc. Ticket strip 20 naturally unfolds as it is fed
through ticket dispenser 34.
Alternatively, supply 37 of ticket strip 20 can be provided as a
roll 40. Note FIG. 2A. Roll 40 includes a rotating spindle 41 or a
similar member around which tickets 20 are wrapped. As the tickets
are fed through dispenser 34, roll 40 rotates to unravel additional
tickets. Roll 40 can be positioned to the rear or below ticket
dispenser 34 in a box similar to box 39, for example.
Ticket dispenser 34 can also be coupled via a bus 44 to main
control system 42, which controls the operation of ticket dispenser
34 and other components of the game apparatus 26. Control system 42
can be positioned in a wide variety of places, for example within
game apparatus 26, and is shown positioned under playing area 32 as
a specific example. Control system 42 can include a number of
electronic components on a circuit board or similar substrate.
Also typically included in the interior of game apparatus 26 is a
coin box 43. Coin box 43 can be positioned in the interior of the
game apparatus 26 near the front panel 28 to store coins or other
monetary input that have been inserted in coin deposit slot 29.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the ticket dispenser 34 of the
present invention. A ticket strip 20 is moved along a ticket path,
indicated by arrows 53. Ticket supply 37 provides ticket strip 20
as described with reference to FIG. 2. The ticket dispenser 34 of
the present invention is well suited to dispense thinner, smaller
tickets, such as formed of 20 lb. or thinner paper. However, the
ticket dispenser 34 can also dispense other types of tickets, such
as the thicker tickets of the prior art.
The ticket dispenser 34 includes a base 50 having a front end 52
and a rear end 54. A tension device 56 is disposed near the rear
end 54 and connected to the base 50. The tension device 56 includes
an adjustable, flexible tension spring 58 that is aligned with and
presses toward a rear guide 60. The rear guide 60 can have a curved
surface and have, for example, a cylindrical shape. The rear guide
60 can be fixedly attached to the base 50, or can be free to rotate
about a spindle that is fixedly attached to the base 50. The ticket
strip 20 can pass through the tension device 56, between the
flexible tension spring 58 and the rear guide 60. When the ticket
strip 20 is drawn through the tension device 56 along the ticket
path 53, the friction between the tension device 56 and the ticket
strip 20 is a force that operates on the ticket strip 20 in a
direction that is substantially opposite the direction of movement
of the ticket strip, thereby creating a tension in the ticket strip
20.
The ticket dispenser 34 also includes a sensor 62 that is disposed
adjacent the ticket path 53. The sensor 62 can be used to detect
each individual ticket that comprises the ticket strip 20, as it
passes by the sensor 62. The sensor 62 is described in further
detail below with respect to FIG. 4. Alternatively, other
techniques can be used to detect each individual ticket, without
including the sensor 62.
A front guide 64 is also included near the front end 52 of the
ticket dispenser 34. The ticket strip 20 can pass around the front
guide 64, which can have a curved surface, and, for example, a
cylindrical shape. The front guide 64 can be a cylindrical roller
which is rotatably connected to the base 50. Thus, as the ticket
strip 20 passes along the ticket path 53, the front guide 64 can
turn due to frictional forces between the ticket strip 20 and the
front guide 64. Thus, with such rotation a reduced amount of drag
is imparted to the ticket strip 20 by the front guide 64. With less
drag, less tension is caused in the ticket strip 20, which can
reduce the likelihood of the ticket strip 20 tearing. Such decrease
in drag further translates into less friction which in turn affords
an increase in the speed of dispensing.
The ticket strip 20 can also pass around a driver 66 disposed near
the front end 52 of the ticket dispenser 34. As is described
further below with reference to FIG. 6, the driver 66 is configured
to engage and move the ticket strip 20 along the ticket path 53. To
accomplish this, the driver 66 is rotatably fixed to the base 50
and connected to a motor (see FIG. 4 and related discussion below)
by which it turns. The motor connected to the driver 66 can be
located near the driver 66, for example affixed to the base 50. As
an alternative, the motor can be disposed at a distance from the
driver 66 and connected through various known mechanical
connections.
A driver guide 68 is disposed near the driver 66. The ticket strip
20 can pass between the driver 66 and the driver guide 68. To
assist movement of the ticket strip 20 along the ticket path 53,
the driver guide 68 remains in substantially close proximity to the
driver 66 during movement of the ticket strip 20. After passing
between the driver 66 and the driver guide 68, the ticket strip 20
passes along the ticket path 53 to an outlet of the game or other
apparatus with which the ticket dispenser 34 is associated.
FIG. 4 is a side view of a ticket dispenser 72, according to an
embodiment of the present invention. A tension device 74 includes a
tension spring 76 and a rear guide 78. The tension spring 76 has a
fixed end 80 that is fixed to the base 82 by a coupling means. For
example, the fixed end 80 of the tension spring 76 can be connected
by a screw to a stand 84 that extends from and is soldered to the
base 82. Of course, the fixed end 80 of the tension spring 76 can
alternatively be fixedly connected to the base 82 by other means
known to those skilled in the art. A free end 86 of the tension
spring 76 is aligned with and presses toward the rear guide 78. The
rear guide 78 can have a curved surface adjacent the tension spring
76, and can have a cylindrical shape, for example. The rear guide
78 is connected to the base 82, and can be either fixed or free to
rotate about a spindle that is fixedly connected to the base
82.
The ticket strip 20 can pass between the tension spring free end 86
and the rear guide 78 with a resulting tension as described above
with reference to FIG. 3. As an option, a screw may be employed to
increase or decrease tension between the free end 86 of the tension
spring 76 and the ticket strip 20 in order to accommodate tearing
of tickets having different strengths and thickness. Additional
detail regarding such screw will be set forth hereinafter during
reference to FIG. 9. As the ticket strip 20 passes through the
ticket dispenser 72, the ticket strip 20 follows a particular
ticket path 88. Along this path, a sensor 90 is disposed adjacent
the ticket path 88, and therefore adjacent the ticket strip 20. The
sensor 90 can alternatively be disposed along the ticket path 88 at
substantially any other point than that shown in FIG. 4. The sensor
90 can include an emitter 92 and a detector 94. The emitter 92 and
the detector 94 can be connected to an integrated circuit 96, or
other controller. The emitter 92 and the detector 94 are disposed
on either side of the ticket path 88 and substantially aligned with
each other. For a more clear understanding, the operation of the
sensor 90 is further discussed below with reference to FIG. 5.
A mid-path guide 98 is also included in the ticket dispenser 72,
affixed to the base 82. The ticket strip 20 passes around the
mid-path guide 98 as the ticket strip 20 passes along the ticket
path 88. The mid-path guide 98 can have a curved surface over which
the ticket strip 20 passes, and can be of a cylindrical shape, for
example. With the curved surface of the rear guide 78 and the
mid-path guide 98, less drag is imparted to the ticket strip 20 by
these elements. Further, one or both of the rear guide 78 and the
mid-path guide 98 can be rotatable about a spindle affixed to the
base 82, further reducing the drag imparted to the ticket strip 20.
With reduced drag, the tension in the ticket strip 20 can be
minimized, thus reducing the likelihood of the ticket strip 20
tearing, ripping, or being otherwise damaged.
A front guide 100 is rotatably or fixedly attached to the base 82
near the front end 102 of the base 82. The front guide 100 can have
a curved outer surface over which a ticket strip 20 passes along
the ticket path 88. For example, the front guide 100 can have a
cylindrical shape, and rotate in the direction indicated by the
arrow R1 as the ticket strip 20 moves along the path 88. In the
alternative, front guide 100 may be designed to remain fixed. Also
connected to the base 82 near the front end 102, is a driver 104
around which the ticket strip 20 passes. In one embodiment, driver
104 is constructed at least in part from nylon. The driver 104 is
rotatably attached to the base 82, and coupled to a motor 106 that
is likewise coupled to the base 82. Of course, the motor 106 can be
alternatively located elsewhere with relation to the base 82, while
being connected to the driver 104. As will be discussed further
with reference to FIG. 5, operation of the motor 106 can cause the
rotation of the driver 104 in the direction of the arrow R2.
Operation of the motor can be controlled by an integrated circuit
or other controller (not shown) to which the motor 106 is connected
by electrical connections 108. Interaction between the driver 104
and the ticket strip 20 is further described below with reference
to FIGS. 6 and 7.
The ticket dispenser 72 further includes a driver guide 110. The
driver guide 110 includes a roller assembly 112 that is disposed
substantially near the driver 104 during operation of the ticket
dispenser 72. The roller assembly 112 includes rollers 114a, 114b,
and 114c arranged around the circumference of the driver 104, for
about 30 degrees to about 180 degrees of the circumference. In one
embodiment, rollers 114a, 114b, and 114c are constructed at least
in part from nylon. The rollers 114a-c are shown attached to a
roller assembly arm 116. The roller assembly arm 116 can fixedly
connect each of the rollers 114a-c to each other. The roller
assembly arm 116 is connected to the base 82. As shown, the roller
assembly arm 116 can be fixedly attached to an assembly arm post
113 that is free to rotate about an assembly arm post spindle 115
that itself is fixedly attached to the base 82. Alternatively, one
or more of the rollers 114a-c can be otherwise connected to the
base 82. For example, each of the rollers 114a-c can be
individually, rotatably connected to the base 82.
The driver guide 110 further includes an output roller 118 which is
disposed adjacent the circumference of the driver 104, along the
ticket path 88 beyond the roller assembly 112. In one embodiment,
output roller 118 is constructed at least in part from nylon. The
output roller is also connected to the base 82. In the specific
embodiment shown, the output roller 118 is rotatably attached to a
first arm 120 that is fixedly attached to a output roller post 117.
In turn, the output roller post 117 is free to rotate about an
output roller post spindle that is fixedly connected to the base
82. During operation, the output roller 118 is disposed
substantially near or in abutment with the driver 104, as are the
rollers 114a-c. With such relative placement, the driver guide 110
(see FIG. 4) facilitates the movement of the ticket strip 20 with a
surface 138 (see FIG. 6) of the driver 104 as the driver 104
rotates. In one embodiment, output roller 118 and roller 114c
remain in abutment with the driver 104 while rollers 114a and 114b
remain substantially near the driver 104. Rollers 114a and 114b
thus preclude the ticket strip 20 from escaping the driver 104.
Further, output roller 118 and roller 114c may be positioned 180
degrees with respect to each other such that minimum or no stress
is applied to motor 116 and enough pressure is applied to the
ticket strip 20 for piercing purposes as will become apparent
hereinafter.
A second arm 122 is fixedly attached to the assembly arm post 113
and further connected to the first arm 120 by a compression spring
124. During normal operation of the ticket dispenser 72, the
compression spring 124 operates to maintain the rollers 114a-c and
the output roller 118 substantially near or in abutment with the
driver 104. However, the compression spring 124 allows for the
rotation of the first and or second arms 120, 122 to move the
output roller 118 or rollers 114a-c, respectively away from the
driver 104. This may be desirable for initially feeding a ticket
strip 20 between the driver 104 and the driver guide 110. Such
movement can also be desirable to remove tickets or any other
material that may be between the driver 104 and the driver guide
110, throughout operation of the ticket dispenser 72. In other
embodiments of the present invention, the output roller 118 and the
associated first arm 120 are not included. Further, while the
compression spring 124 can then alternatively be attached to both
the second arm 122 and fixed to the base 82, the compression spring
124 and second arm 122 may also be not included. In such a case,
other methods known to those skilled in the art can be used for the
movement of the driver guide away from the driver 104 or vice
versa.
FIGS. 4a and 4b are illustrations of an alternate embodiment of the
present invention. As shown, the instant embodiment includes a
single arm 123 and a single roller 114 attached thereto. The single
arm 123 is rotatably coupled to the base 82 and is biased by
compression spring 124 which is coupled to post 125 protruding from
the base 82. Associated therewith is an output roller 118 rotatably
coupled to the base 82 and positioned substantially near the driver
104 in order to afford less stress on the driver 104. In the
present embodiment, the output roller 118 has a width substantially
similar to that of the driver 104. Note FIG. 4b. Further, the
single output roller 118 rotates about an axis that is fixed with
respect to an axis about which the driver 104 rotates. It should be
noted that the output roller of the present embodiment may be
equipped with a concentric groove 140 similar to that of the
rollers 114a-c of the previous embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the ticket dispenser 72 taken along line
5--5 of FIG. 4. As it moves along the ticket path 88, the ticket
strip 20 passes between the rear guide 78 and the tension spring
76, and then passes the sensor 90. The emitter 92 (see FIG. 4) can
emit electromagnetic energy, for example in the visible or infrared
wavelengths, which the detector 94 can sense. However, when an
object, such as the ticket strip 20, passes between the emitter 92
and the detector 94, the detector 94 may sense a different amount
of emission than without an intervening object. Thus, when a ticket
strip 20 includes periodic voids or notches 22, the detector 94 can
sense a different amount of energy from the emitter 92 as the voids
pass by the sensor 90. For example, the detector 94 may sense the
energy from the emitter 92 only when a void or notch 22 passes
between the emitter 92 and the detector 94. The integrated circuit
96 or other controller can control the emissions of the emitter 92.
In addition, the integrated circuit 96 can register the sensing of
the detector 94. When the location and or frequency of the notches
or void in a ticket strip 20 are known, such registering of the
detector 94 sensing can be used by the integrated circuit 96 or
other controller to determine the number of ticket that have passed
by the sensor 90. Typically in normal operation, the number of
tickets that pass by the sensor 90 will correspond to the number of
tickets output to an operator of the game apparatus. Thus, the
sensing by the detector 94 can be used to control the number of
tickets dispensed from the ticket dispenser 72. Of course, other
types of sensors can be used in place of the above describe sensor
90. For example, a sensor which can detect particular markings
included in or on the ticket strip 20, can be used. Also, although
the sensor 90 is shown disposed along the ticket path 88 past the
tension mechanism 74, the sensor 90 can be otherwise located
elsewhere along the ticket path 88.
The ticket strip 20 further passes over the mid-path guide 98 and
around the front guide 100. As can also be seen from this view, the
ticket strip 20 can include multiple individual tickets 21
connected together in a series. Also shown in FIG. 5 is a motor
gear 130 that is fixedly attached to the motor 106. A driver gear
132 is similarly affixed to the driver 104. Both the motor gear 130
and the driver gear 132 are free to rotate relative to the base 82.
Further, the gears are positioned and sized such that they can
engage one another. Thus, during operation of the motor 106, the
motor gear 130 can be turned and, by engaging the driver gear 132,
rotate both the driver gear 132 and the driver 104.
FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate an alternate embodiment wherein the
motor gear 130 and driver gear 132 are supplemented with a belt and
pulley system 105 in order to allow the driver 104 to be positioned
closer to a ticket strip outlet 36. In still yet another
embodiment, a worm gear may be employed which has inherent braking
capabilities the importance of which will now be set forth.
The motor 106 can also include a brake mechanism which can resist
pulling of the ticket strip 20 through the ticket dispenser 72 from
outside the ticket dispenser 72. For example, the motor can be
configured to rise along its axis of rotation when the ticket strip
20 is pulled, and thereby contact a brake which retards the motor
rotation. This and other methods for braking the motor upon pulling
of the ticket strip can be included according to techniques and
systems well known to those who are skilled in the art of braking
motors. In one embodiment, the motor 106 may include a permanent
magnet DC drive. As such, upon grounding both terminals of the
motor, a slight braking action is afforded.
FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of the driver 104 and one of rollers
114a and 114b. The driver 104 can have a substantially cylindrical
shape with one or more pins 136 protruding from the surface 138 of
the driver 104. For example, the driver can include four pins, with
the maximum number of pins being influenced by the size of the pin
and the circumference of the driver. The pins 136 can have a height
that is suitable for piercing the ticket strip. For example, a
height of about 2 mm can work will with a ticket strip formed of 20
lb. paper. The pins 136 are shown to have a substantially conical
shape with a substantially pointed distal end. However, any
suitable shape of pin 136 having a substantially sharp distal end
can be used. With such a sharp distal end, the pins 136 can pierce
at least a portion of a thickness T (see FIG. 4) of the ticket
strip 20 as it passes around the driver 104. Such piercing can
include deforming at least a portion of the thickness T, breaking
through at least a portion of the thickness T, or both, at the
point of contact with a pin 136. For example, the ticket so pierced
can be substantially permanently so deformed or broken through.
Thus, the pins 136 can engage and pull the ticket strip 20 through
the ticket dispenser 72 at a rate significantly faster than tickets
dispensers of the prior art. This operation of the pins 136
additionally can provide a security measure for operators. In
particular, individual tickets which have passed through the ticket
dispenser 72 and have therefore been at least partially punctured
by the pins 136, are thereby visibly indicated as having been
dispensed from a ticket machine and therefore used. Thus, a game
operator can use such puncture marks in the tickets to verify that
a ticket has been indeed been dispensed from a game apparatus by a
ticket dispenser according to one of the several embodiments of the
present invention.
As was described above, because the rollers 114a-c and output
roller 118 are disposed substantially near or in abutment with the
driver 104 during operation, the driver guide 110 (see FIG. 4)
facilitates the movement of the ticket strip 20 with the surface
138 of the driver 104 as the driver 104 rotates. More specifically,
the rollers 114a-c and output roller 118 can facilitate holding the
ticket strip 20 in contact with the pins 136. The shape of the
rollers 114a-c of the driver guide 110 can further facilitate
piercing of at least a portion of the thickness T of the ticket
strip 20 by the pins 136. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, one of
rollers 114a-c can include a groove 140 around a circumference of
the roller. The groove 140 can be aligned with the pins 136, such
that as the driver 104 rotates, the pins 136 pass through the
groove 140 of the roller. Thus, as a ticket strip 20 passes between
the driver 104 and the roller, the pins 136 can more easily pass
through at least a portion of the thickness of the ticket strip
120. Further, with the groove 140 included in the roller, the pins
136 are less likely to contact the rollers, thereby resulting in
less drag imparted to the driver 104. With less drag, the driver
104 can operate more efficiently and at greater speeds.
Additionally, because the rollers 114a-c are free to rotate, even
less drag is imparted to the ticket strip 20. This further reduces
the tension on the ticket strip and likelihood of damage thereof
For reasons that will soon become apparent, the driver 104 is
equipped with a pair of grooves 143 flanking the pins 136.
The driver 104 is shown in FIG. 7 in conjunction with an output
guide 144. The output guide is formed of a hard material such as
metal or plastic and extends around at least a portion of the
circumference of the driver 104. The output guide 144 is fixedly
connected to the base 82 (see FIG. 4) and the driver 104 is free to
rotate relative to the output guide 144. Ideally, the output guide
144 remains within the grooves 143 in order to minimize friction
with respect to the ticket strip 20. In one embodiment, only a 1/4
inch center portion of the ticket engages the drive roller 104. In
the alternative, such width may be thinner, while 1/4 inch
engagement is ideal for a 1/2 inch ticket strip 20. The output
guide 144 can assist the direction of the dispensed tickets toward
an output of the game apparatus. Ideally, the output guide 144 is
positioned such that the ticket strip 20 is outputted just above a
door opening of the game apparatus 26. Further, the output guide
144 can also help ensure that the ticket strip 20 passes around the
drive 104 in the direction of rotation R2, thereby helping to avoid
ticket jams. While the output guide 144 is shown to include a pair
of elements 145 coupled via an connector 147, such connector 147
may be excluded.
FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a ticket strip 20 passing
between the driver 104 and the driver guide 110. As can be seen, as
the driver 104 rotates in the direction of the arrow R2, the pins
136 penetrate at least a portion of the thickness of the ticket
strip 20 and pass through the grooves 140 of the rollers 114a-c.
Similarly, the output roller 118 can also include a groove 140
through which the pins 136 can pass. Thus, the pins that have
pierced the ticket strip, carry or pull the ticket strip 20 in the
same direction of rotation indicated by the arrow R2. In this way,
the ticket strip 20 is pulled along the ticket path 88 and output
from the ticket dispenser 72. Such pulling along the ticket path 88
can thereby result in fewer jams of the ticket strip 20 than if the
ticket strip 20 was pushed along the ticket path 88. Further, with
the reduced tension on the ticket strip due to the rotatability of
the output roller 118, the rollers 114a-c, and the front guide 100,
the ticket strip 20 can experience fewer rips, tears, and other
damage.
FIG. 9 shows a tension device 120 having an adjustable tension. As
with the tension device 74 shown in FIG. 4, the tension device 120
includes a tension spring 76 and a rear guide 78. A fixed end 80 of
the tension spring 76 is fixedly connected to the base 82, and a
free end 86 is presses against the rear guide 78. In addition, a
screw 121 is disposed adjacent the tension spring 76, at a distance
D away from the fixed end 80. For example, such a screw 121 can
pass through an extension 127 that is fixedly attached to the base
82. Further, the screw 121 can be turned to exert more or less
pressure on the tension spring, thereby moving the free end 86 of
the tension spring 76 closer to or further away from the rear guide
78. Thus, the force with which the tension spring 76 presses
against the rear guide 78 during operation of the ticket dispenser
72 can be easily adjusted, for example to accommodate different
thickness or types of ticket strips. Further, varying widths of the
ticket strips may be accommodated by adjusting constraints of the
rear guide 78.
In use, the ability to tear the ticket strip 20 at the output end
of the ticket dispenser 34 is dependent on an amount of pressure
exerted by the tension spring 76 and the drag of the ticket
dispenser 34 relative to the strength of the perforation of the
ticket strip 20. The adjustment of the tension spring 76 should be
below the threshold of the perforation or the ticket strip 20 may
tear within the ticket dispenser 34. If the resistance within the
ticket dispenser 34 is 3 ounces and the strength of the perforation
is 5 ounces, the pressure exerted by the tension spring 76 should
be greater than 2 ounces and less than approximately 4 ounces. It
should be noted that resistance is mainly afforded within the
rollers. As an option, the tension spring 76 may be adjusted via
the screw 121 while running the ticket strip 20 until the
perforation tears between the tension spring 76 and the drive
roller 104. Thereafter, it is beneficial to decrease the tension
spring 76 slightly.
FIG. 10 is a process diagram of a method 130 for dispensing tickets
from an apparatus. While not shown, method 130 begins with feeding
the ticket strip 20 by placing an end in the driver 104 and
pressing a button on the game apparatus 26. Thereafter, the ticket
strip 20 is maneuvered under the tension spring 76. Method 130
includes creating tension in a ticket strip in operation 132. This
can be facilitated by pressing the ticket strip between two objects
to impart a frictional force in the opposite direction of the
movement of the ticket strip. For example, such force can be
imparted by a tension spring that presses against a guide. In
operation 134, the ticket strip is engaged by piercing the ticket
strip. The ticket strip can be pierced at one or more pierced
points at one time, for example at three pierced points. Such
piercing can include pressing a sharp pin into the ticket strip.
This can be accomplished by passing the ticket strip between a
guide and a driver which includes at least one sharp pin. Further,
the piercing can be facilitated by passing the sharp pin through a
groove in the guide as the ticket strip passes between the groove
and the sharp pin. In operation 135, the ticket strip is manually
torn at a perforation.
The method 130 further includes moving the ticket strip in
operation 136. This moving can include translating the pierced
points along the ticket path. The ticket strip can be moved by
moving the sharp pin. In particular, this can be done by rotating a
cylinder on which surface the sharp pin is located. By moving the
ticket strip in this way, less tension is necessary in the ticket
strip to dispense the ticket strip. Thus, the likelihood of
separating, tearing, ripping, or otherwise damaging the ticket
strip is reduced over that with ticket dispensers of the prior art.
Further, thinner ticket strips, or those with less tensile strength
can be used with this method more effectively than with ticket
dispensers of the prior art.
In summary, the present invention provides structures and methods
for dispensing tickets with a wide range of thickness, sizes and at
high speeds, while reducing the likelihood of tearing, ripping, or
otherwise damaging the tickets and the likelihood of jamming the
ticket dispenser. The invention has been described herein in terms
of several preferred embodiments. Other embodiments of the
invention, including alternatives, modifications, permutations and
equivalents of the embodiments described herein, will be apparent
to those skilled in the art from consideration of the
specification, study of the drawings, and practice of the
invention. For example, the ticket dispenser of the present
invention described herein can be used for a wide variety of
applications in which a number of tickets are dispensed to users
who can exchange the tickets for goods or services. Further, the
ticket dispenser can include or be used in conjunction with other
components, including those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,107 to
S. P. Shoemaker, Jr., the description of which is incorporated
herein by reference. The embodiments and preferred features
described above should be considered exemplary, with the invention
being defined by the appended claims, which therefore include all
such alternatives, modifications, permutations and equivalents as
fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *